Portugal vs Congo DR: Winners & losers - Wissa stuns Portugal's World Cup opener

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·17 Juni 2026

Portugal vs Congo DR: Winners & losers - Wissa stuns Portugal's World Cup opener

Portugal's World Cup campaign began with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Congo DR in Houston, as the tournament favorites failed to hold onto João Neves' early lead. Yoane Wissa's stoppage-time header secured a historic point for Congo DR in their first World Cup appearance since 1974. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Portugal v Congo DR.

Winners

Yoane Wissa (Congo DR)

Wissa delivered the defining moment of the match with a powerful header in the 45+5' minute that rescued a point for Congo DR. Rising unmarked at the back post to meet Arthur Masuaku's cross, he guided the ball into the top left corner and left Diogo Costa with no chance.

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Throughout the contest, the forward was a persistent counter-attacking threat, using his pace to stretch Portugal's defensive line on transitions. An earlier effort from outside the box with his left foot drifted wide, but he remained dangerous whenever Congo DR broke forward with purpose.

His direct running in the closing stages drew tactical fouls from both Nélson Semedo and Tomás Araújo, earning Portugal bookings in the 88th and 90+2' minutes. Wissa's relentless threat typified Congo DR's spirit and ensured they left Houston with a valuable point against one of the pre-tournament favorites.

Arthur Masuaku (Congo DR)

Masuaku produced the assist that changed the match, delivering a pinpoint left-footed cross from the right side of the box following a short corner routine worked with Ngal'ayel Mukau. The delivery found Wissa unmarked at the back post for the crucial equalizer that stunned Portugal.

The left wing-back provided width and an outlet for Congo DR's counter-attacks throughout his 74 minutes on the pitch. He was responsible for set-piece deliveries and repeatedly showed willingness to push forward whenever his team regained possession in transition moments.

His substitution for Joris Kayembe was a tactical decision to shore up the flank against Francisco Conceição's growing threat, but by then Masuaku had already made his mark. His decisive contribution ensured Congo DR could celebrate a memorable World Cup return after more than five decades away.

Loser

Bernardo Silva (Portugal)

Silva endured a disappointing evening that ended with a halftime substitution. The Portugal midfielder received a yellow card in the 13th minute after losing possession and sliding into a challenge on Edo Kayembe, setting an unwelcome tone for his performance.

Operating on the right flank, Silva struggled to provide the creative spark Portugal needed against Congo DR's compact defensive shape. He dropped deep to collect the ball but had minimal attacking impact, unable to find the penetrating passes or combinations required to unlock the 5-3-2 block.

Roberto Martínez had seen enough by the interval, replacing Silva with Francisco Conceição in search of more direct attacking threat. The half-time withdrawal reflected a first 45 minutes in which Portugal controlled possession without creating sufficient danger, with Silva's ineffective display a significant factor in their struggles.